The Strenuous Life - A Ragtime Two Step (414.01.2Perc.)

The Strenuous Life - A Ragtime Two Step (414.01.2Perc.) The Strenuous Life (a Ragtime Two Step) was written in the same year as Joplins more famous The Entertainer - 1902, and is a tribute to Theodore Roosevelts famous speech of April 11, 1899 which began with the austere words I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life, the life of toil and effort, of labour and strife. One might have expected a minor key rather foursquare musical response from Joplin, but the opposite is the case with one of his most happy-go-lucky pieces showing a sprightly rhythmic lilt. It follows the usual ragtime AA-BB-A-CC-DD form in developing the material in discrete sections, but never returning to the opening theme at the end. This formal compositional structure is the reason that ragtime pieces often appear to finish rather abruptly. This arrangement was specially made for the album Preludes, Rags and Cakewalks (MPR 005), performed by The Symphonic Brass of London conducted by Eric Crees. All of the transcriptions are new and original, making this a world premiere recording. ‘Super playing from living legends of the London orchestral brass scene. In these fantastic arrangements it’s sometimes hard to believe these pieces weren’t originally scored for brass. The musicianship throughout is second to none and the sound is an absolute treat. Eric Crees pays his affectionate respects in performances subtly styled, coloured and paced - from the touchingly restrained to the joyfully raucous. Musical authenticity permeates through, understated yet valued in placement and precision. It is a fabulous exploration that deserves the richest of accolades on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.’ Iwan Fox - 4 Bars Rest - Verdict *****